Character & Citizenship

We empower responsible, caring young people to participate in the democratic process. Kids and teens develop leadership skills and gain opportunities for planning, decision-making and volunteer service through program activities that include art expression workshops, public speaking training, peer-to-peer council elections and leadership conferences.

CHARACTER IS BUILT

We are proud that 90% of Club members say they can stand up for what is right, even if their friends disagree.

 

MEMBERS ARE GIVING BACK

68% of Club teen members volunteer in their community at least once per year, while 46% volunteer at least once per month.

KINDESS IS REINFORCED

92% of Club members report they try to help when they see people in need.

Character & Citizenship Programs

Art Expressions

Members learn ways to express themselves creatively through hands-on arts and crafts, paintings, clay sculptures, and utilizing various other art supplies and materials.

Keystone Club​

Signature teen leadership program. Teens elect officers and implement activities in three focus areas: academic success, career preparation and community service.

Torch Club​

Leadership and service program for middle school members. Torch Club participants elect officers and participate in community service projects.

Ultimate Journey​

Promotes one’s own cultural awareness and provides opportunities to learn more about other cultures.

UPS Road Code

The teen driving simulation program is based on safety training used by actual UPS driver data and focuses on safety, basic instruction and the consequences of distracted driving.

Youth of the Month​

Provides members of all ages the opportunity to showcase their leadership ability and be recognized amongst their peers.

Youth of the Year​

National Boys & Girls Clubs of America initiative that fosters the next generation of leaders through a comprehensive leadership development program. Teens undergo a formal application process including essays and letters of recommendation, Toastmasters public speaking training, community service projects and more. Meet the Club’s 2018 Youth of the Year, Talisha!

Learn More About Us

Leadership

Under the direction of Board of Directors President David Traughber and CEO Kim Richards, three core departments run a lean leadership team behind the scenes.

Our Approach

Our programs offer compassion with action to help improve lives. We are always tracking, asking for feedback and getting input from Club members and their families to improve.

Get Involved

We want every student, parent and partner to understand that the road to a great future starts with a high school diploma. Invest in their future today.

Help Provide Essential Skills and Limitless Opportunities

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In-kind donations save Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson thousands of dollars each year. 

Right now, BGCC has a high demand for the following in-kind donations:

  • Gently used books – all ages
  • Business attire – male and female for high school students
  • Art supplies – new pencils, crayons, paint and markers
  • New or used laptops for Club members 

Please contact Deisi Gonzalez, Manager of Development & Marketing for assistance in making an in-kind contribution at 310.522.0500 ext 210 or by email at [email protected]

Make a greater impact with your stock investments! 

Fill out the Wells Fargo Stock Transfer Application and fill in our information below: 

  1. Brokerage Account Number 4843-4988
  2. Brokerage registration : Boys and Girls Club of Carson
  3. Our code for ACAT transfers : 0141

Jeremiah Milbank was a remarkable person and lifelong volunteer who gave generously to Boys & Girls Clubs programs. It is through his legacy that Boys & Girls Clubs of America created The Jeremiah Milbank Society as a way to pay tribute to local Club donors on a national level.

The society was created to inspire and recognize higher level unrestricted giving from individuals within local Clubs. Each member of the society has given a minimum of $10,000 to their local Boys & Girls Clubs organization. Through their leadership and generosity, Jeremiah Milbank Society members have helped to assure that every young person who attends Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson is provided with hope and opportunity, through a safe place to learn and grow, and have adult mentors who positively impact their life.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson are honored to have Jeremiah Milbank Society members, who support the work that goes on at our Clubs. We thank them for their generosity and their unwavering dedication to the youth in our community.

The benefits for joining the Jeremiah Milbank Society includes recognition throughout Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson materials and national recognition within the Jeremiah Milbank Society catalogue.

For more information about the Jeremiah Milbank Society contact:
Nina Patel, VP of Development & Marketing
310-522-0500 ext. 205 • [email protected]

Diana’s commitment to lifting up the voices of the community began in Wilmington as the youngest community organizer and Honorary Mayor of Wilmington. Diana continued organizing with the California State Assembly where worked with leaders in various cities and neighborhoods to advocate for the advancement of education equity, immigration justice, supportive services, and reentry programs. She most recently served as the Neighborhood Revitalization manager with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles leading the implementation of an innovative framework to improve the quality of life of residents in the city of Long Beach through sustainable partnerships and creating a model for collaboration across neighborhoods. Her efforts were commended by the Long Beach Rescue Mission awarding her partner of the year for creating lasting connections across all sectors.
Nina's passion for the non-profit sector began in 2011 with the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation. Over the course of five years, she led the Foundation's fundraising endeavors, initially focusing on district-level initiatives before stepping into the role of President. In 2015, she joined The Friendship Foundation as the Development Director and was promoted to Managing Director shortly thereafter. Nina joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Caron in August of 2022 bringing with her extensive experience in fundraising, event planning, and operational and strategic insight. She was honored with the National Newcomer Excellence Award in Resource Development in 2024 by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for her outstanding contributions in fundraising. Nina is active in the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club and has served as the International Chair, Vocational Chair, and Social Chair. Together with her husband, Nina has raised three boys in Manhattan Beach.
Don Abbe has 35 years of experience working in the private and nonprofit sector. He joined the Club in 2010 and ensures that every dollar is spent in the most efficient manner. Don works closely with auditors to make sure that our organization complies with all federal, state and local statutory requirements. He also ensures that all stakeholders get a complete and accurate assessment of the financial health of the organization. Don’s past nonprofit work experience includes working with the YMCA of Greater Seattle and Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles. He received a BS in Accounting and Business Management from the University of Washington. Don’s favorite Club program is Youth of the Year.